Do Prisoners Have Rights in the United States?
The establishment and administration of prisons are governed by federal and state laws stipulating the rights of those incarcerated. Prisoners don’t have full constitutional rights, but the Eighth Amendment protects them against cruel and unusual punishment.
Even the most hardened or chronic prisoners have fundamental rights. If you’re facing incarceration or have a loved one who is behind bars, it’s crucial to know about the rights of inmates. Civil rights and police misconduct attorneys in Philadelphia provide an overview of prisoners’ rights in Pennsylvania.
The Right to Due Process
Prisoners retain their right to due process if they are subject to disciplinary proceedings after incarceration. For example, a prisoner has the right to be notified of the charges against them before a hearing. Any disciplinary action taken against an inmate must adhere to legal procedures as set forth by state and federal laws.
Philadelphia prisoners’ rights lawyers explain that prisoners must be allowed to defend themselves and provide the necessary evidence before any punishment is imposed.
The Right to Humane Conditions and Facilities
Pre-trial detainees must be held in humane facilities and should not be treated as guilty or be subjected to “punishment” while they await trial. Under the Eighth Amendment, inmates have the right to be free of cruel and unusual punishment.
The Supreme Court defines cruel and unusual punishment as any inhumane treatment that violates the basic concept of a person’s dignity. For example, holding an inmate in a prison infested with vermin or one at risk of fire hazards is a constitutional violation.
All prisoners must also be provided with adequate food and nutrition to remain healthy during their imprisonment. If you believe your loved one’s constitutional rights have been violated or they are held in facilities that don’t meet these conditions, consult prisoners’ rights lawyers in Philadelphia.
The Right to Adequate Medical and Mental Health Care
Every inmate has the right to prompt medical and mental health care when needed. If a prisoner has a mental or physical illness or injury, they have a right to be given prompt medical attention by a qualified healthcare professional to diagnose and treat the condition appropriately.
Prisons are also mandated to provide inmates with access to preventative healthcare services such as regular checkups and immunizations against contagious diseases such as hepatitis C and Tuberculosis.
The Right to Be Free from Sexual and Physical Abuse
The law protects inmates against sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The provisions are encompassed under the Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). An inmate has the right to report sexual abuse or discrimination immediately, and the authorities should take appropriate action.
Prisoners should also be protected against brutal and excessive force used by guards and other staff in prisons. Cruel punishment and beatings should never happen, and if your imprisoned loved one has been subjected to such, skilled prisoners’ rights attorneys in Philadelphia can provide legal intervention.
Prisoners with Disabilities Have the Right to Be Protected
Prisoners with disabilities have the right to be protected while incarcerated, as provided in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They must be provided with adequate and reasonable accommodations, such as assistive devices and easy access to facilities such as showers, bathrooms, and toilets.
Prisons may also adjust policies if necessary to ensure equal access for prisoners with disabilities. These inmates should not be discriminated against in any program or activity the correctional facility provides.
Protecting Pregnant Inmates
Pregnant prisoners have certain rights while in prison. They should access proper healthcare, privacy for antenatal care visits, and accommodations for better supervision. They also must have access to prenatal care visits, parenting classes, and substance abuse counseling. These services and proper care must be available from the time of the prisoner’s admission until their release from prison.
Visitor Privileges
The law allows prisoners to have a list of up to 20 approved visitors permitted by the Department. A minor’s name may be placed on the approved list only with permission from the child’s parents or guardians. However, a minor may only visit in the company of an adult approved by the legal guardian or parent.
Other visitors who may be on a prisoner’s list of visitors are:
- Attorneys
- Religious advisors
- Former inmates, with permission from the facility manager,
- Pre-release inmates
The number of visitors at a time, place, time, length, and frequency of visits may depend on the inmate’s program status, the facility’s policies, and space availability.
What Laws Protect Prisoners’ Rights in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has several laws that protect prisoners’ rights, such as the Prisoners’ Bill of Rights and the Prison Litigation Reform Act. The laws provide the following protections:
- The right to file a lawsuit if their rights are violated
- The right to be free from retaliation after filing an abuse or harassment claim
- The right to access legal resources and assistance
A Skilled Prisoner’s Rights Lawyer Fighting for Your or Your Loved One’s Rights
If you or your loved one have been sentenced to prison, it’s essential to understand your rights as a prisoner and distinguish them from privileges. Your rights are guaranteed under the constitution and cannot be suspended without due process. On the other hand, privileges are granted based on certain conditions and can be revoked at any time. Not all prisoners have the same privileges.
Skilled civil rights and police misconduct attorneys in Philadelphia can help you evaluate these rights and explain how they differ from privileges. They can also fight to protect those rights and ensure you’re accorded the necessary privileges. The prisoners’ rights lawyers at Abramson & Denenberg P.C. can look into your case and help. Call us at 215-398-7066 to schedule a consultation.